Covid19 and social distancing has meant the complete closure of the food and beverage industry in Victoria. These are folks who bring fun and pleasure to all of our lives with great food, wine, cocktails, beer and more. They have been willing ears to hear our stories and they are always there to fill our water glasses or fulfill our special order. Suddenly, everyone in the industry, from owners to chefs to servers to dishwashers to bussers to hosts have become immediately unemployed.

These folks rely on predominantly minimum wage positions and the kindness of the people they serve day in day out (Gratuities). These places we have all come to enjoy are now in peril, as are the people who work there. Some will not have enough to cover the next month's rent, some will not be able to find a solid meal. Some owners will be able to pay leases and rent and others will not be so lucky.

Victoria is a city of great establishments, we have our favourites and within them some of our favourite people. Now is the time to think about them, and if you have the ability, to put some money in the kitty for their tough times. Maybe you consider an evening at your "spot" and thing about putting the cost of that evening toward the total. This money will be disbursed to those most in need, to those who cannot afford to live or who need a few dollars just to get by.

Of course, please continue to support the places you love my participating in their Take Out and Delivery programs currently in effect, this is just another way you can contribute just a little bit extra!

Help us to help those in the hospitality industry weather the storm of Covid19. Money will be given out via request by letters of need. Industry folks can send letters of need to this address. A small group of industry veterans will make determination of distribution. Further details to appear here shortly. Thanking you in advance for your generosity!

Details: The fund will be administered by long time Victoria Hospitality Industry Guru, Danno Lee, of Tapa Bar, Bodega and Poco restaurants. He will have a couple of other industry vets who will read letters of request and fulfill them as best as they can based on total money raised.